something from nothing – decoration tutorial

by Sharon Santoni
willow branches with white spray paint and christmas baubles

 

The major quantities of snow we have here have caused problems – living in the bottom of a valley may be pretty, but in these icy conditions it has made it almost impossible to drive places and I STILL haven’t got everything ready for Christmas… H-E-L-P !!!

Today I rediscovered that necessity is the mother of invention.  I wanted to do a little more decorating before family arrives at the end of the week. I couldn’t get out to the shops to buy stuff so had to make do with what I found here.
Here without further ado is a (very) quick tutorial on some (very) easy door decorations.
First find a silver beech tree.  Cut a few of its beautiful weeping branches and if necessary let them dry out.
weeping birch branches covered in snow
If you have silver paint for this bit, it’s ideal.  Being unable to get out to the shops, etc etc, I made do with some white paint and some glitter.  I found it looked prettier if I used very little paint and left a lot of the natural branch colour showing.  While the paint was still wet, my willing helper (thank you, young man!)  scattered glitter all over the whole kitchen the painted branches.
white-painted birch branches with gold glitter
While all of this dried properly (and the person who shall remain nameless swept up!)  I grabbed a hammer and thumped a couple of nails into the top ledge of the door frame.  This only makes small holes and they will never be seen.  Now I simply draped the branches over the doorway, using the nails to keep everything in place.  Once the branches were set as I wanted them I attached a few tiny pearl and silver wired baubles, left overs from past years’ decorating!
Et voila!  Instant decoration for zero cost, and very little time.
decorated branches hanging down next to a doorway
decorated branches hanging around a doorway with a lamp to the side
I was so pleased with the effect that having done this door in the dining room, I went on and applied the same treatment to two doorways in the entrance hall.
closeup of the branches in the corner of a doorway
Thank you so much for all the amazing comments on my pictures in the last post. Several people used the word “magical”, but the real magic for me comes from the warmth and spontaneity of your wonderful contributions to my blog.[blank]
Merci beaucoup mes amis.[blank]

22 comments

Belinda @ Wild Acre December 20, 2010 - 10:40 pm

These are my kind of decorations – I love foraged treasures and have discovered spray glitter which makes it so easy. Your home looks stunning yet restrained and your doorway in the previous post is perfect. All an inspiration!x

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webb December 20, 2010 - 10:49 pm

What a lovely idea! Not this year, but maybe next… thanks for sharing.

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Pilgrim at Kerjacob December 20, 2010 - 11:11 pm

Hello to you from the top of a hill in Brittany !!
I have the same problem but in reverse – can't get down or up the hill when its bad.
I spent part of my day making door wreaths from the greenery in my garden.
Have a look.
Bonsoir.

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**Anne** December 21, 2010 - 12:13 am

It is so rewarding to make do with what you have when you have to. No hassle getting to the shops, just blissful creativity at it's best. Beautiful.
Anne xx

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Jacqui December 21, 2010 - 12:35 am

Love what you have done, beautiful xx

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Tanya Boracay December 21, 2010 - 2:25 am

Wow unique decoration, this is the real creative.

Just like to share with you a beautiful quote…

"You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life" – Albert Camus

You can get more happiness quotes at https://www.quotelandia.com/category/Happiness

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- Brittany December 21, 2010 - 3:21 am

I love the decorations! That is my type of decor: free, natural, and beautiful!

Brittany
https://www.prettyhandygirl.com

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Deepali Kalia Interior Design Blog Filling Spaces December 21, 2010 - 5:03 am

Lovely decoration, happy holidays…come join my giveaway:)

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annie December 21, 2010 - 6:50 am

oh my goodness this is making me miss the snow so much…it DOES look magical…I agree. The decorations you made are beautiful and your tree…LOVE it!

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Sarah B December 21, 2010 - 7:10 am

So pretty! With a home like yours, I'd happy be snowed in 🙂

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Anonymous December 21, 2010 - 8:55 am

So, so beautiful!

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becky at abbeystyle December 21, 2010 - 10:51 am

Clever girl!!!

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Bethany Dirksen December 21, 2010 - 12:45 pm

Wow, that turned out beautifully! I love using sticks as decor. Right now I am moving around a lot, and cannot decorate each place I live in. My solution…sticks in wine bottles! Works every time.

I just stumbled across your blog for the first time and thought I would say hello! I looked through a few of your posts and love your style.

I'm a blogger as well, about the world of art, but my history is in interior design and fashion. I love to hear what people are saying! Hope we get to see more of each other in the future.

Bethany
http://www.DirksenDabbles.com

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shelly December 21, 2010 - 1:56 pm

Your decorations are beautiful and the pictures of your home in the snow truly magical, like your living in a snow globe or a Christmas card.
Wishing you a very Happy Christmas.

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Sarah December 21, 2010 - 1:57 pm

That was a nifty piece of decorating, with added in-built comb for anyone tall coming through the door. Handy! 🙂

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Acquired Objects December 21, 2010 - 3:15 pm

I love how creative you are and are able to make do in the prettiest of ways! I'll send you a shoval for Christmas!

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Passionedeco...perchè le case hanno un'anima December 21, 2010 - 4:40 pm

Beautiful!
I've done the same thing using coniphers!!!
It is so satisfing and beautiful.
Kisses.
Fra

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Sherry @ No Minimalist Here December 21, 2010 - 6:27 pm

This is beautiful! I am your newest follower.
Sherry

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Miss Sew & So December 21, 2010 - 11:08 pm

Bonjour Sharon- I just wanted to call past & wish you & your family a wonderful white christmas!

I love your decoration here- from weather issues creativity blossoms!!
I totally understand this from our english countryside!

We now have an entire house of wollen pompom decorations- gorgeous!!

So…happy holidays….have fun…

Melissa x

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Millie December 23, 2010 - 12:12 pm

I think this will even outshine MOTH's next Christmas craft post dear Sharon – great job!
Millie ^_^

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Silverware August 9, 2012 - 11:24 am

Nice outfit!Beautiful dog:)

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